Getting ready for fantasy football

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DAN BILICKI, QMI Agency

Aug 22, 2010

, Last Updated: 12:58 AM ET

Two RBs, or not two RBs, that is the question for fantasy footballers this coming draft season. It has a very easy answer, too: Don’t go RB-RB at the top.

The days of mandatory RB-RB selections to open your fantasy football draft are long over. With so many running back-by-committees, goal-line specialists and injury concerns with over-usage, there aren't many true studs left out there.

Look around the league and try to find teams that will employ a strategy that relies heavily on one running back. Minnesota, Tennessee, Jacksonville, San Francisco, Baltimore, Pittsburgh and maybe San Diego.

It's getting rarer and rarer to find that real stud and teams are adjusting accordingly with specialized tandems and trios. That just means you have to do the same. Find and start the right guy, always stay active on the waiver wire for those Jerome Harrison types and don't worry too much when there's no stud RB to be taken at your slot in the second round. Chances are the WR you'll grab will outpoint an RB anyway.

The reality is that the NFL has become a pass-happy league, with 10 QBs passing for over 4,000 yards last year. A dozen QBs had at least 26 touchdowns too. That means that it’ll be easier to grab a solid QB who won’t kill you week-to-week, but those elite wideouts are going to give you massive points for being on the receiving end of those passes.

Tight ends are getting more and more looks season after season. Grabbing guys like Dallas Clark, Antonio Gates and Jason Witten can earn you WR2 type points out of a premium spot. Don't forget that these big boys are tailor-made for red-zone receptions too.

You can typically wait on getting a good defence because most drafters won’t reach for them. Even if you miss out on an elite squad, you can usually survive week-to-week by plugging in matchup friendly solutions off the waiver wire. Remember, somebody has to play the Browns and Rams every week.

Also, don’t go for the team that you think will allow the least amount of points, go for the one that will fill up the stat line the most. INTs, fumbles and sacks are worth more than the typical the points-allowed based system.

Last in this column and in your draft kickers should be the last position mentioned. It’s borderline inexcusable to take your kicker any earlier than in the last two rounds, even if you want the top guy, Nate Kaeding.

The difference between the third highest scoring kicker (Ryan Longwell) and the tenth (Jeff Reed) is one point per game. In other positions, that drop-off is much greater. In QBs it’s 4.7 points, RBs 4.1, WRs 2.2 and TEs 2.9.

Kickers are far too volatile as well. Remember Nick Folk of Dallas and Washington’s Sean Suisham last season? These supposedly solid guys faltered and lost their jobs. Can you really trust a position where the general turnover is so high? Of course not.

Finally, when drafting, don’t ever forget what type of league you’re in. If it’s PPR (points per reception) don’t discount running backs that make catches out of the backfield, like Ray Rice and Matt Forte will this season. If it’s purely scoring, chances are passing touchdowns aren’t worth as much as rushing ones for QBs, making Aaron Rodgers an even bigger stud and Vince Young a nice sleeper.

Always know your rules and roster needs beforehand or you’ll be caught sleeping with two WRs in a three WR lead or a team with good defence and poor returning in a league that combines DST (Defence and Special Teams).